Letter for tomorrow

The letter

Dear friend, 

We are a group of young people from Devon who are writing this letter to you because we care about you and what happens in your life. We do not know you, you do not know us, but we care. 

We want to reach out because, like you, we were struggling to stay alive. We attempted suicide and have lost people close to us. We rang a helpline, went to A&E, were referred to the Crisis Team, or admitted to hospital after attempting suicide and thankfully we survived. We have found the courage to live again and so can you. So please, if you are ever in such a dark and desolate place that you feel like taking your own life, this letter has been written to tell you things can and will change. Give living a chance.

We relate to the pain, especially emotional pain, which often others don't.

Emotional pain hurts so much. It is that pain, along with loss, that brought us to feeling suicidal. Later we learnt that it was not death we wanted, but to end the terrible thoughts, feelings and pain we were experiencing. Because of the experiences we have been through, we came together to write to you.

We have been in your position. We want you to get through this too. 

We won't pretend to know exactly what you are feeling, because your feelings are uniquely your own. It is okay to feel the way you do. You are not weak, selfish, or crazy.

You deserve help.

Please stay alive to see what tomorrow might bring. You can get through this moment. None of us claims that it is easy. It can be challenging. But no matter how hard things get, life offers possibilities that you may have forgotten exist or have never dreamed of. There will be a time in the future when something makes you smile, sunshine brings you comfort, when the day ahead is so much better than today.

You have a purpose. Please give yourself time.

We ask you to remember to seek help before life gets too painful. Please remember, if you ever feel suicidal, ask for help and be clear to the person you speak with.

You are not alone. Talk to a trusted friend, teacher, family member/carer, see your GP, contact a support group, talk to the Samaritans on Freephone 116 123, or another National Helpline, many of which are listed on the back of this letter.

Talking things over is a great first step to getting the support that you need and deserve.

Please keep this letter, though we hope that you will never need it again. The single best thing to do is to understand that how you are feeling - even if it feels over the top - is completely valid. We want you to get the help you deserve and for you to continue your journey.

We wish you well and we wish you a good life.

Although you might not think it now, we are always with you.

With love,

Devon 'Letter for Tomorrow' Group